A theft of names and email addresses like the recent one from marketing firm Epsilon doesn't sound that bad but that information is valuable for scammers to use in further attacks, notably in phishing scams.

If an attacker knows your name, the companies you deal with and your email, then it can craft some convincing emails that have a much better chance of fooling you.

ZDNet Australia's Darren Pauli presents some fabricated examples of phishing emails to illustrate what users need to watch out for in order to protect themselves.

The first one from Disney has mass appeal. The broad list of victims could be attractive for scammers.

Published: April 13, 2011 -- 06:43 GMT (23:43 PDT)

Caption by: Andy Smith

People love a good deal, and these exist in abundance for hotel chains like the Marriott.

Published: April 13, 2011 -- 06:43 GMT (23:43 PDT)

Caption by: Andy Smith

Telcos like Verizon have millions of customers.

Published: April 13, 2011 -- 06:43 GMT (23:43 PDT)

Caption by: Andy Smith

A link could be inserted that points to a fake web page where customers are requested to enter billing information and promptly scammed.

Published: April 13, 2011 -- 06:43 GMT (23:43 PDT)

Caption by: Andy Smith

People love a good deal, and these exist in abundance for hotel chains like the Marriott.

Published: April 13, 2011 -- 06:43 GMT (23:43 PDT)

Caption by: Andy Smith

Phishing scams like this could direct users to fake booking sites in order to swipe financial details.

Published: April 13, 2011 -- 06:43 GMT (23:43 PDT)

Caption by: Andy Smith

The Hilton is another popular and trusted name in accommodation.

Published: April 13, 2011 -- 06:43 GMT (23:43 PDT)

Caption by: Andy Smith

Unfortunately, its popularity is what could make it a good target. Even legitimate-looking email addresses will not necessarily be kosher.

Published: April 13, 2011 -- 06:43 GMT (23:43 PDT)

Caption by: Andy Smith

Recruitment and career agency Robert Half was another victim of the Epsilon breach.

Published: April 13, 2011 -- 06:43 GMT (23:43 PDT)

Caption by: Andy Smith

Customers should be wary of scams that seek to harvest details for identity crime.

Published: April 13, 2011 -- 06:43 GMT (23:43 PDT)

Caption by: Andy Smith

Borders sends out coupon offers to readers.

Published: April 13, 2011 -- 06:43 GMT (23:43 PDT)

Caption by: Andy Smith

A link could be inserted that points to a fake web page where customers are requested to enter billing information and promptly scammed.

Can you spot a scam? (screenshots)

If an attacker knows your name, the companies you deal with and your email, then it can craft some convincing emails that have a much better chance of fooling you.

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A theft of names and email addresses like the recent one from marketing firm Epsilon doesn't sound that bad but that information is valuable for scammers to use in further attacks, notably in phishing scams.

If an attacker knows your name, the companies you deal with and your email, then it can craft some convincing emails that have a much better chance of fooling you.

ZDNet Australia's Darren Pauli presents some fabricated examples of phishing emails to illustrate what users need to watch out for in order to protect themselves.

The first one from Disney has mass appeal. The broad list of victims could be attractive for scammers.